BRIGHTON BALLET SCHOOL

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Last Updated : 19th June 2026

Policy Statement

Brighton Ballet School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, examinations, educational visits, and associated activities.

We believe that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.
  • All children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
  • Children should be treated with dignity, respect and care.
  • Concerns about a child’s welfare must be acted upon immediately.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, assistants, visiting teachers and anyone working on behalf of Brighton Ballet School.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Sonya Pettigrew
Principal and Proprietor
Brighton Ballet School

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns and disclosures
  • Maintaining safeguarding records
  • Making referrals to Children’s Social Care where required
  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies
  • Ensuring safeguarding training is completed
  • Reviewing safeguarding policies annually

Safeguarding Principles

Brighton Ballet School recognises that safeguarding includes:

  • Child protection
  • Health and safety
  • Safe recruitment practices
  • Appropriate staff conduct
  • Online safety
  • Anti-bullying measures
  • Safe physical contact within dance teaching
  • Educational visits and performances
  • Photography and image use

Types of Abuse

Staff should be aware of:

Physical Abuse

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s development.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities.

Neglect

Failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs.

Additional Safeguarding Risks

Children may also be vulnerable to:

  • Bullying and cyberbullying
  • Peer-on-peer abuse
  • Grooming
  • Online exploitation
  • Domestic abuse
  • Radicalisation
  • Child criminal exploitation
  • Child sexual exploitation
  • Self-harm and mental health concerns

Managing a Disclosure

If a child discloses abuse or harm:

Staff must:

  • Stay calm
  • Listen carefully
  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing
  • Explain that information may need to be shared to keep them safe
  • Record the child’s words accurately

Staff must not:

  • Promise confidentiality
  • Ask leading questions
  • Investigate the concern
  • Express shock or disbelief

The concern must be reported to the DSL immediately.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported to:

DSL: Sonya Pettigrew

The concern should be recorded as soon as possible and on the same day.

If a child is in immediate danger:

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • Notify the DSL as soon as possible.

Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation regarding a member of staff, volunteer or contractor must be reported directly to the DSL.

Where the allegation concerns the DSL, the matter should be referred directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Safer Recruitment

Brighton Ballet School will:

  • Obtain Enhanced DBS checks where required
  • Obtain references before appointment
  • Verify identity and qualifications
  • Ensure staff understand safeguarding responsibilities

Physical Contact in Dance Teaching

Physical contact may occasionally be necessary during dance instruction.

Any contact must:

  • Be appropriate and professional
  • Be relevant to teaching
  • Be explained where appropriate
  • Never be secretive or unnecessary

Physical intervention may only be used to prevent injury or serious harm.

Photography and Filming

Brighton Ballet School will obtain written parental consent before using photographs or videos of children for publicity purposes.

Images will be stored securely and used only for authorised purposes.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Safeguarding records will:

  • Be accurate and factual
  • Be stored securely
  • Be shared only on a need-to-know basis
  • Comply with UK GDPR requirements

Training

All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding information appropriate to their role.

Safeguarding training and policy reviews will be completed regularly.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or operational needs change.

Approved by:

Sonya Pettigrew
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Brighton Ballet School

Review Date: 19th June 2027

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